Bruins
“That’s what we’re going to see in the playoffs.”
Carolina Hurricanes left winger Teuvo Teravainen (86) is congratulated by Andrei Svechnikov (37) after his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in Boston. In the foreground is Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy. P.A.
Over the past month, the Boston Bruins have become accustomed to a playoff-like routine.
Over the past two weeks in particular, Jim Montgomery’s club has achieved victories through various means against teams battling for playoff positioning. But they’ve also had some hiccups and setbacks against some of the top-heavy teams they’ve faced over the past month.
With a blend of speed, skill and heavy checking, the Carolina Hurricanes possess several traits that the Bruins have struggled with in previous playoff exits. And unlike their last meeting five days earlier, the B’s entered pursuit mode on Tuesday during a sluggish second period.
Despite starting the mid-20s with two kills on Carolina’s second power play, the Bruins succumbed to another series of leaks in front of the net.
In 2:10, the Bruins faced a 2-0 deficit after Andrei Svechnikov completed his final lacrosse-style goal and Teuvo Teravinen scored off a rebound.
Charlie McAvoy put the Bruins within reach with 3:04 left in the second, on a one-timer from Jakub Lauko who fed off a broken play for his second goal in as many games.
The Bruins showed some life, pushing for the equalizer in the third period. But a series of errors by Pavel Zacha en route to Carolina’s third goal ended any hopes of a comeback in Boston.
Seth Jarvis added more poise on a short-handed breakaway, gathering a follow-up attempt off the boards past Jeremy Swayman to cap Carolina’s 4-1 triumph.
Here’s what we learned after the Hurricanes ended Boston’s four-game winning streak.
Boston’s breakouts and power play were sloppy.
The Bruins looked physically engaged for the first 20 minutes Tuesday night. But amid their many hits, they struggled to find their touch in transition or in their offensive zone setup.
Both teams took four shots on goal in the first period. But while the Bruins struggled to find their rhythm, the Hurricanes eventually developed healthier habits after Boston’s PK killed two early Carolina power plays early in the second period.
The Bruins tried to stay within striking distance. But the B’s struggled to stay afloat against a Carolina team that thrives on playing as a favorite.
“They are well coached and are a great team. We just have to accept it,” Swayman said. “It’s obviously not something we want to do in our barn, but I think it’s good for us to move forward knowing that no team is going to go easy on us.”
The Bruins weren’t necessarily soft after facing Carolina for the second time in five days. But they weren’t effective either, committing 18 giveaways in Tuesday’s loss.
Their breakout and passing issues at 5-on-5 resulted in another tough performance on the power play. Their recent stagnant outing reared its ugly head late in the third when Jarvis broke free on a breakaway to put the game out of reach.
“I think we had them last time in their barn, and they looked ready to play,” Frederic said of the Hurricanes. “You have to give them credit. It was a close game early, and it looked like they kind of got the upper hand in the second, and obviously, they got some in the third as well.
The Bruins could face another make-or-break scenario when they begin their final stretch of three games in four nights in Pittsburgh on Saturday. But the playoff intensity will continue against a resurgent Penguins group that has returned to contention for one of the final two spots in the East.
Swayman isn’t quite in shape for the playoffs.
Without Swayman and Linus Ullmark, the Bruins likely would have been on the fringes of the playoffs, especially during the first half of the season.
As a result, the younger half of the dynamic tandem earned their first career All-Star Weekend appearance. But Swayman and Ullmark both experienced declines as Boston faded out of the break.
Instead of bailing out their team repeatedly, Swayman and Ullmark looked human and more prone to game management mishaps. But, over the past month, Ullmark has returned to his Vezina form of a year ago.
Swayman, although he has had some good starts lately, has not maintained the same pace as Ullmark. And as Tuesday proved, the former University of Maine star still has a little ways to go to find himself in postseason form.
“It’s our job to get punched in the face and then get back up,” Swayman said.
Swayman didn’t have such a poor outing in comparison. But the last month has shown some disparity between Ullmark and Swayman.
Given the recent rotation schedule, Swayman appears on track to make just one more start in Boston’s final three games. But the chances of anyone scoring another lacrosse-style goal on Swayman or Ullmark will remain slim.
“Svechnikov sets tone with latest Michigan tally”.
Between the turnovers and a few misses around the front net, the Bruins didn’t help Swayman’s cause. And while Swayman made a handful of A-grade saves, the highly skilled Hurricanes finally broke through with another highlight-reel scorer from one of their best offensive weapons.
The Canes found their footing in the offensive zone in the first half of the middle period. Eventually, their skating and forechecking created enough chaos for Svechnikov to land another “Michigan” attempt.
Boston’s D arrived late to Svechnikov. Swayman was also late as he tried to move from one position to another. His worst nightmare has indeed come true.
“He’s so good at it, I couldn’t believe it,” Swayman said. “My goal is to never get kicked out of Michigan, which is why this was put in the toilet today.”
Swayman could get another shot at Svechnikov down the line. But the Bruins could very well face a team with similar skills in a few weeks.
Right now, they’re on track to face the proven first-round Lightning. The Hurricanes may not have as much playoff history as Tampa Bay, but they have enough similarities to give the Bruins even more plays in a game. potential seven-game series.
“I give them credit,” Montgomery said. “They checked it out, and that’s what we’re going to see in the playoffs.”
Sign up for Bruins updates🏒
Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox during the hockey season.
Boston
